Coaches

Noelle Killebrew

Noelle has her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from the University of New Mexico. During her time at UNM, she worked as a junior sales associate for AC Fitness, interned for the UNM Sports Lab and worked at the UNM Hospital Cardiac Rehab. She started with LA Boxing as the original General Manager in 2004 and hosted their grand opening in January 2005. After learning the business, Noelle and Reece Killebrew bought LA Boxing in 2009 and a year later opened the Westside location. Reece and Noelle then opened their third Rio Rancho location in 2012. In 2013, the LA Boxing franchise and UFC GYM franchised merged and with Reece, Noelle ran three UFC GYM locations until 2019.

In 2019, Noelle and Reece decided to part ways with the UFC GYM franchise and sold their Westside and Rio Rancho locations. They kept the original entity and re-branded to REPUBLIQ.

Noelle wants REPUBLIQ to be a fun, safe and motivating space for everyone to reach their goals in leading a healthy lifestyle.

Reece Killebrew

Reece Killebrew is the founder and Head Coach at REPUBLIQ.  Reece began coaching because he passionately believes in the life-changing benefits of fitness. His goal, as a fitness coach, is to inspire individuals to make long-term lifestyle changes and overcome any self-doubt or perceived limitations.  In Reece’s spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and listening to Justin Bieber (IYKYK).

His degrees and certifications include:

  • B.A. Sociology
  • M.B.A. Business Administration
  • Black Belt Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
  • NASM CPT
  • IKFF KETTLEBELL LEVEL 3 MASTER TRAINER
  • IKFF KETTLEBELL LEVEL 1 & 2
  • SUPLES BULGARIAN BAG LEVEL 1 & 2
  • NASM Sports Nutrition Certified
  • CROSSFIT KETTLEBELL
  • USA OLYMPIC LIFTING
  • ONNIT STEELMACE SPECIALIST
  • TRX
  • TRIGGERPOINT THERAPY
  • ROCKTAPE FMT

Albuquerque the Magazine Best Personal Trainer 2010,2011,2013,2016

Albuquerque the Magazine Top 5 Best Personal Trainer 2012, 2014

 

 

Albuquerque Weekly Alibi top 5 trainer  2018 and 2019

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Ben Acosta

Lifelong Martial Artists, 4th degree Black Belt in Bill Packer’s American Kenpo Karate, taught by my father Mike Acosta(AKKA school owner) Blue belt in Brazillian Jiu Jitsu, certified martial arts instructor through AKKA Karate USA, certified Instructor for Chuck Norris’ KICKSTART KIDS NON profit organization for at risk youth in Pflugerville TX and Houston TX, as well as the City wide Demonstration Team. Amateur Kickboxer earning several titles(Southwest amateur lightweight kickboxing champion, Texas state amateur welterweight champion, CCKA US JR. Lightweight champion) Professional Kickboxer and muay thai fighter holding the WMTA Muay Thai title(champion), currently fighting for Glory Kickboxing! Amateur and pro MMA fighter training and fighting out of JacksonWink MMA. Working with the RepubliQ family since Oct 2014. Kettlebell, TRX, Bulgarian Bag certified. Above all I enjoy helping others reach their full potential both physically, and mentally!

Random Facts-Love the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, 3 Ninja’s, Enter the Dragon, Bloodsport, and too many more to name. Also love Anime including DBZ, Hajime No Ippo, Kenichi, Death Note and Kenshin.

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Gabe Aguilar-Tafoya

Gabriel was born and raised in the Alamedan Valley of Albuquerque.
After playing Basketball and running track throughout high school, Gabe was drawn to strength training and conditioning. After a few years of trial and error and teaching himself, he was introduced by a friend to bodyweight, barbell, and kettlebell training. Since then, he’s focused on learning and teaching others the safe and efficient use of these modalities.

  • Certified Personal Trainer, National Academy of Sports Medicine
  • Certified Kettlebell Instructor SFG1, Strongfirst School of Strength
  • Certified Bodyweight Instructor SFB, Strongfirst School of Strength
  • All-Terrain Conditioning Certified Instructor
  • Two Time World Champion, Tactical Strength Challenge 2022 and 2024
  • IKFF Kettlebell Level I
  • SUPLES Bulgarian Bag Level 1

If you’re ready to start or resume your fitness journey, Gabe is here to help!

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Chris Garcia

Chris Garcia is a highly accomplished personal trainer based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with over 14 years of experience transforming clients’ lives. In 2022, Chris earned the Albuquerque Journals “Readers Choice Award” for personal trainer, a testament to his expertise, dedication, and the exceptional results he delivers. With more than 15 years of training in boxing and kickboxing, Chris brings a wealth of knowledge and a dynamic, disciplined approach to every session. He is also IKFF Level 2 Kettlebell certified and SUPLES Bulgarian Bag certified, two highly respected qualifications that enhance his ability to design unique, effective fitness programs.
Beyond his professional achievements, Chris has a deep connection to his community and clients, many of whom have trained with him for years. His career is built on strong, lasting relationships, as evidenced by his 10-year marriage, which reflects his commitment to balance and growth in all aspects of life. Chris’s passion for fitness goes beyond the gym, as he continually seeks new ways to challenge himself and those he works with, helping people reach their full potential while making training engaging, purposeful, and fun.

 

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Ji Kim

Coach Ji’s fitness career started as a member of LA Boxing Abq back in 2009. He started off with one class per week, then 3, then 5, then 2 a days, then once taking 4 classes in one day! We couldn’t get him out of the gym, so we finally gave him a coaching job in 2011!

Ji has been a coach for over 13 years. He has since received coaching certifications with CrossFit, National Academy of Sports Medicine, International Kettlebell Fitness Federation, Suples Training Systems, and USA Olympic Weightlifting.

His favorite workouts include taking the SWEAT classes at REPUBLIQ and unilateral leg days. He also has a strong passion for teaching kettlebells. ‘Kettlebells are an amazing, versatile and efficient tool to incorporate into your training!” Ji has inspired many people to make positive lifestyle choices to achieve their fitness goals! Ji wants you to be “obsessed with your goals and be addicted to the grind.”

Next time you’re at REPUBLIQ, talk to Ji about fitness or ask him about his aspirations of having a traveling beach gym!

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Matt Leyva

Matt is a United States Marine and former professional fighter (MMA). He is an accomplished martial artist with 30 years’ experience, and a Personal Trainer for over a decade. Matt holds several health/nutrition/fitness certifications including IKFF Kettle Bells, NASM, dotFIT nutrition certification, and TRX Education certified. He has a strong passion to help others achieve their goals no matter the challenge and circumstance.

Ask Matt about Private Training!

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IB Maiga

Ibrahim “IB” Maiga was born and raised in Socorro New Mexico! He has a Bachelor of science from ENMU. IB is a former professional football player and a current amateur boxer.

Ask IB about Private Training

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Julio Martinez, PTA 

Board-Certified Physical Therapist Assistant | Combat Sports Coach | Strength and Conditioning Specialist
With over 20 years of experience in combat sports and a deep understanding of human biomechanics, Julio brings a unique combination of therapy and performance training expertise. As a New Mexico Board-certified and licensed physical therapist assistant, Julio specializes in injury prevention, rehabilitation, and optimizing athletic performance.
Julio holds certifications in kettlebell and Bulgarian bag training, enabling him to design dynamic strength and conditioning programs tailored to individual goals.
Whether you’re recovering from an injury or looking to enhance your combat skills, Julio provides a comprehensive approach to health and fitness.

Ask Julio about Private Training!

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Josh Romero

Joshua Romero is a NASM certified personal trainer and has been a COACH at REPUBLIQ, formally UFC GYM, since 2017. He is certified in Suples Bulgarian bags as well as IKFF Kettle Bell levels 1 and 2. Josh also has experience in boxing with training and technique.

In addition to being a personal trainer, Josh works for Bernalillo County Fire and Rescue as a professional firefighter.

“My passion has always been to help others whether that’s out in the community or at the gym. Helping others adopt, improve, and maintain a healthy lifestyle is something I strive for. I also believe that exercise improves our mental health. Strong body, healthy mind. I specialize in strength and conditioning/ functional exercise. My favorite workouts to do in the gym are leg and kettlebell workouts. I also enjoy running in the foothills and outside workouts.”

Ask Josh about Private Training!

James Shoemate

James started as a member at LA boxing in 2011 and became a coach in 2014. He has a background in athletics, playing sports all his life, primarily basketball. Because of his experience in sports, he has a passion for functional training. Functional training can not only enhance one’s sport performance, but also help in daily activities. James often incorporates high intensity interval training and functional movements into his classes and personal training sessions. James has his NASM certifications and Kettlebell IKFF level 1 and 2 certifications. You can find James taking classes, at REPUBLIQ, with his wife and kids.
“There’s no better environment to have fun with your fitness, than at REPUBLIQ.”

Ask James about Private Training!

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Johnny Gallardo

Johnny is an Army Veteran who currently works for the USPS. Johnny is a Certified Personal Trainer and he also has a Nutrition Certification and Foam Roller Certification. Johnny specializes in weight training, weight loss, and boxing. In 2023, Johnny was voted top 5 Best Coaches in Albuquerque by ABQ the MAG.

Johnny believes that “fitness should be fun and forever”

Ask Johnny about Private Training!

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Ricky Esquibel

Ricky is a lifelong martial artist & athlete with over 15 years of professional experience under Jackson Wink MMA as well as 13 years of grappling experience under Gracie Barra NM & Professor Rafael Barata Jr. Ricky has been a student of Jeff Mayweather at Mayweather Boxing Club for 4 years.

Ricky has over a decade of coaching experience, learning from Reece Killebrew & the many high-level Coaches of the REPUBLIQ family.

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